Ceri Davies BEM

Year of Graduation: 2011

  • Course BA Early Childhood Studies and Sociology
  • School School of Education
  • Nationality British
  • Career industry Charity
  • Current job title Founder
  • Current Company More Mascots Please CIC

I loved studying at the University of Wolverhampton, I found my course to be inclusive and accessible to disabled students and I found it extremely helpful in empowering me to pursue my career with a solid foundation of knowledge.

My favourite memories were learning to read and write academically. Also, studying the development of children and the rules regarding child protection. I loved making new friends and being part of a community of academics. I liked having large scale lectures that enabled me to hear various opinions around a subject, therefore helping me form my own.
My course supported me to form academic opinion and made me realise how much I enjoy working within the early years sector. Whilst at University I studied a module ‘Volunteering in the Community’ which helped me to understand all the complex issues related to running my own organisation. This also expanded my thought processes and opened my eyes to many opinions around this subject. I am also passionate about public speaking on subjects such as ‘Disability Rights Inclusion’ and the course equipped me to have the confidence to pursue this.
My current job is ‘Volunteer founder of More Mascots Please CIC’ which is a charitable organisation that supports disabled, disadvantaged, and life-limited children and families with the use of mascots and play work techniques. We have raised money to organise trips and fund gifts. My key responsibilities involve day to day management, selecting trustees and staff recruitment, fundraising, organising events and pursuing opportunities to speak publicly about all we do and what we achieve using key social media platforms. I am also a disability rights campaigner and public speaker.
My career highlight to date would be receiving a British Empire Award from the Queen for services to disabled, disadvantaged and life-limited families. It's such an incredible honour to be recognised for the voluntary work that I have done over the last 11 years in my local community. I hope this enables me to continue helping more children for many years to come.
I would advise students to ensure they do a lot of reading on their course to expand their subject knowledge. To always seek help and guidance from lecturers if in need. Take good quality notes and be early with assignment deadlines. I think it's important to learn from previous mistakes and to always believe in your own abilities. Most importantly, invest in friendships and enjoy the course so you can take as much away from it as possible.